jljaina's review
4.0
After reading/going through this book, I want nothing more than to go play some more of the game. Yes, for those of you unaware, Bioshock: Infinite is a 2013 released video game. Both similar and yet very different from the original Bioshock games.
The art here is incredible. When playing the game, it is easy to miss things are the scene is constantly changing. This give you the change to really stop and look. Especially at some of the enemies you fight. This book really breaks down how things work. Details drawings of weapon's parts, enemies, characters and more. They even show how the architecture for the game was done. I loved how we get to see all the initial drawing concepts for Elizabeth. How they toyed with various ages, clothing, hairstyles, etc. Very enjoyable to look at. Also very cool was how we get to see things that ultimately didn't make it into the game, such as extra enemies.
My only real complaint is that I would have liked to see more time put to use in explained what I was sometimes looking at. Where an idea came from, etc. The books Shows so much, but Tells so little. A better blend would have nice. Not much time spent actually reading. Lots of time looking at fantastic drawings! Nicely done.
The art here is incredible. When playing the game, it is easy to miss things are the scene is constantly changing. This give you the change to really stop and look. Especially at some of the enemies you fight. This book really breaks down how things work. Details drawings of weapon's parts, enemies, characters and more. They even show how the architecture for the game was done. I loved how we get to see all the initial drawing concepts for Elizabeth. How they toyed with various ages, clothing, hairstyles, etc. Very enjoyable to look at. Also very cool was how we get to see things that ultimately didn't make it into the game, such as extra enemies.
My only real complaint is that I would have liked to see more time put to use in explained what I was sometimes looking at. Where an idea came from, etc. The books Shows so much, but Tells so little. A better blend would have nice. Not much time spent actually reading. Lots of time looking at fantastic drawings! Nicely done.
foxwrapped's review
5.0
I've been anxiously awaiting Bioshock Infinite since I like, even heard about the project. I've played Bioshock and Bioshock 2, and I loved them. I bought the action figures, and I have a splicer mask and the creepy as hell soundtracks. These games definitely deserve to be called art even by the most fogey and snotty of critics. I mean, it looks damn beautiful, there's a story that I would read as a novel, and it's playable! What more do they want? But you know, some people see something digital and think robots did all the work. Honestly, I think I can show this book to someone and say, "See? It was someone's idea! A human being had to think it up and then make it! Sure, they used digital tools, but it's not like I make my own paint and pencils."
OMG I want to play Bioshock Infinite right now. I was worried about this book spoiling the game, but it doesn't cover the narrative at all. Lots of character and environment design ideas are shared, but not plot details.
I received an ARC from netgalley in pdf form, which I think is perfect for the digital paintings. A digital artist told me that what he felt he was doing was painting with light. The art was great but I wonder how well these will translate to print though; sometimes I've noticed that digital art gets too dark when they are on paper instead of on a lit screen. Which I can understand; the page isn't the natural medium for it.
OMG I want to play Bioshock Infinite right now. I was worried about this book spoiling the game, but it doesn't cover the narrative at all. Lots of character and environment design ideas are shared, but not plot details.
I received an ARC from netgalley in pdf form, which I think is perfect for the digital paintings. A digital artist told me that what he felt he was doing was painting with light. The art was great but I wonder how well these will translate to print though; sometimes I've noticed that digital art gets too dark when they are on paper instead of on a lit screen. Which I can understand; the page isn't the natural medium for it.
aliterarylion's review
5.0
Sometimes I just want to give my brain a rest and cozy up with a nice art book. Bioshock is one of my favorite video game franchises and it was lovely to revisit the third installment, Bioshock Infinite. The color scheme, creativity, and theming were all so beautiful and unique. It was great to see behind the scenes and the beginning stages of the game. It was very nostalgic and I'll have to find some Let's Play videos on YouTube to revisit this spectacular series. Would you kindly recommend any other art books for me to read?
paigeandpages_'s review
5.0
Picked this book up to use as reference for an upcoming Comic Con, this book is absolutely beautiful. Definitely recommend to anyone a fan of Bioshock and the worlds of both Rapture and Columbia.
inlibrisveritas's review
4.0
So I'll admit that I am a big fan of art books based on video games and tv shows, there is something about seeing all the cool concepts and work that went into a loved project that just makes the experience even cooler. I'd have to say that this one is no exception.
Bioshock Infinite is a game that a lot of game fans were looking forward to since the first two games in the series, and since it took a long time to come together it is really cool see what kind of ideas the creators were throwing around before settling on the final storyline and designs. If you are not familiar with Irrational Games' still of game, it tends to lean towards the designs that elicit some sort of emotion from the player, it could be repulsion or it could be curiosity (is it human or machine?) but it's guaranteed to catch your eye.
The concept art is really strong in itself and I'm actually a bit sad that somethings couldn't be used in the new game because they look amazing. There are whole sections dedicated to the character design/development for Elizabeth and Booker, as well as sections on the vigors, Columbia, Songbird, and propaganda posters seen through out the game. I am a big fan of the Vigor section because I honestly think I'd buy the bottles they designed if they were available, some of them are really great looking. The propaganda section is also really great because many of the posters in the game might end up being glanced over during the action, so it's a good chance to see them. The artwork is beautiful and I love the full page scenes they depict some of the early ideas for the city of Columbia and Elizabeth.
The one complaint I have about this book is that while there is a ton to look at, there is not a lot of reading involved. I know it's not meant to be textbook thick, but I would have loved a bit more explanation about the ideas behind some of the concepts or why they went the way they did. Other than that it is a beautiful artbook that makes a great companion to the game, and if you are a Bioshock fan then I'm sure you'll really like this one.
I received this in exchange for an honest review.
Bioshock Infinite is a game that a lot of game fans were looking forward to since the first two games in the series, and since it took a long time to come together it is really cool see what kind of ideas the creators were throwing around before settling on the final storyline and designs. If you are not familiar with Irrational Games' still of game, it tends to lean towards the designs that elicit some sort of emotion from the player, it could be repulsion or it could be curiosity (is it human or machine?) but it's guaranteed to catch your eye.
The concept art is really strong in itself and I'm actually a bit sad that somethings couldn't be used in the new game because they look amazing. There are whole sections dedicated to the character design/development for Elizabeth and Booker, as well as sections on the vigors, Columbia, Songbird, and propaganda posters seen through out the game. I am a big fan of the Vigor section because I honestly think I'd buy the bottles they designed if they were available, some of them are really great looking. The propaganda section is also really great because many of the posters in the game might end up being glanced over during the action, so it's a good chance to see them. The artwork is beautiful and I love the full page scenes they depict some of the early ideas for the city of Columbia and Elizabeth.
The one complaint I have about this book is that while there is a ton to look at, there is not a lot of reading involved. I know it's not meant to be textbook thick, but I would have loved a bit more explanation about the ideas behind some of the concepts or why they went the way they did. Other than that it is a beautiful artbook that makes a great companion to the game, and if you are a Bioshock fan then I'm sure you'll really like this one.
I received this in exchange for an honest review.
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